On the culmination of World Tourism Week celebrations on Thursday, the department of tourism presented awards of excellence in various segments of travel and tourism industry in the state.

Tourism Minister Vatti Vasanth Kumar gave away the awards in various categories at a function held at Ravindra Bharathi here on Thursday.

The Golconda Resort and Spa won the best theme-based resort award whereas Jewel of Nizam at The Golkonda won the best restaurant in the state award.

The Park Hyatt, Hyderabad and Hotel Daspalla were awarded the best classified hotels in 5-tar and 4-star categories. Dr YSR National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management was adjudged the best tourism educational institution. Ajay Kant Gir for his 1952 Chevrolet Style Line Deluxe, Bharat Reddy for his 1943 Willy’s and Javedd for 1956 Bullet 750 won the awards in Best Vintage Car, Jeep and Motor cycle categories respectively.

“From next year I foresee participation and healthy competition between public sector hotels too with private sector,” said the toursim minister.

Special chief secretary (tourism) Chandana Khan, director of tourism Kantilal Dante, tourism advisor G Kishan Rao, director of archeology P Gayatri, special officer of Shilparamam GN Rao, director of the department of Culture Kavita Prasad Raju and director of NITHM Narayana Reddy were present.

The department of tourism, during the week-long celebrations, conducted programmes like food festivel, release of books and musical programmes, Hyderabad Heritage Run, film screening, vintage car rally and interactive session with stakeholders of tourism sector and inauguration of a sculpture park.

source: http://www.ibnlive.in.com / Home> South> Southern News> Hyderabad / The New Indian Express, Express News Service / September 28th, 2012